Снігова королева

           Sheranonasfastasshecould. Therethencameawholeregimentofsnow-flakes,buttheydidnotfallfromabove,andtheywerequitebrightandshiningfromtheAuroraBorealis. Theflakesranalongtheground,andthenearertheycamethelargertheygrew. Gerdawellrememberedhowlargeandstrangethesnow-flakesappearedwhensheoncesawthemthroughamagnifying-glass;butnowtheywerelargeandterrificinanothermanner—theywereallalive. TheyweretheoutpostsoftheSnowQueen.Theyhadthemostwondrousshapes;somelookedlikelargeuglyporcupines; otherslikesnakesknottedtogether,withtheirheadsstickingout;andothers,again,likesmallfatbears,withthehairstandingonend: allwereofdazzlingwhiteness—allwerelivingsnow-flakes. 

           LittleGerdarepeatedtheLord’sPrayer.Thecoldwassointensethatshecouldseeherownbreath,whichcamelikesmokeoutofhermouth. Itgrewthickerandthicker,andtooktheformoflittleangels,thatgrewmoreandmorewhentheytouchedtheearth.Allhadhelmsontheirheads,andlancesandshieldsintheirhands; theyincreasedinnumbers;andwhenGerdahadfinishedtheLord’sPrayer,shewassurroundedbyawholelegion. Theythrustatthehorridsnow-flakeswiththeirspears,sothattheyflewintoathousandpieces;andlittleGerdawalkedonbravelyandinsecurity. Theangelspattedherhandsandfeet;andthenshefeltthecoldless,andwentonquicklytowardsthepalaceoftheSnowQueen. 

           ButnowweshallseehowKayfared.HeneverthoughtofGerda,andleastofallthatshewasstandingbeforethepalace.